Beauty

Selfie Season

People all over the world are obsessed with SELFIES. One in 14 people are now on Instagram and the app claims to have 500 million users. Has social media (Twitter, Facebook, Linked-In, Instragram, Google) put a whole new twist on the pressure to look good in photos? Never has our “Face” been more on display for our friends and family than NOW. How can we put our best “Face” out there for photos and “selfies?” Dr. Jeffrey Spiegel, world-renowned facial plastic surgeon, offers these tips to “put your best face forward” in photos.

Look up:

Women should look up slightly towards the camera as it will make your eyes larger, and raise your eyebrows creating the attractive look of large eyes

Chin up:

Men should protrude your chin slightly. This creates a strong face and eliminates a double chin.

Lean in:

For men and women, slightly lean your neck towards the camera.

Instant Glow:

For Women – a minute before your photo, tap on your lips a few times (somewhat stronger than you’d think!). This will send blood to your lips making them redder and fuller – both considered very attractive. Similarly, you can pinch your cheeks a few times to get a little bit of a rosy glow.

All in the angles:

Stand at an angle to the camera. This creates a slimmer body profile, and adds some interest to the photograph. Also, try slightly lowering the shoulder towards the camera. This will relatively elongate your neck and slim it out.

Don’t forget to blink:

Blink just before the camera goes off. That is, if they are counting to three to shoot, blink deliberately on two. This will help guarantee that your eyes are not closed during the picture, and importantly, will get you with the most open and bright eyes – and remember, bright eyes are critical to looking good.

Smize:

Smile with your eyes! A fake smile is just your mouth. A true smile is when your whole face is laughing. Think about sending energy to your eyes or smiling with your eyes, and your beauty will shine into the photograph.

Relax:

Think about relaxing your face and trying to convey that to the camera. And, consider botulinum toxin treatment (e.g. botox or dysport). They’ve been shown to not only relax wrinkles, but to actually improve your mood and help you to feel more relaxed and confident. That emotional change will show in your photos.

About Dr. Spiegel:

Dr. Jeffrey Spiegel is a world renowned facial plastic surgeon who specializes in facial feminization surgery. Dr. Jeffrey Spiegel is Chief of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, and a professor at the Boston University School of Medicine with appointments in the Department of Otolaryngology and Head and Neck Surgery and the Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery. Dr. Spiegel’s practice is located in Chestnut Hill, MA.